Vinson Climb Gear List

Antarctica is a clean, vast and pure expanse of our earth. Conditions are extreme, but simple and not so demanding if you have quality clothing and equipment. It is always light during the austral summer when we are on the ice, and temperatures do not vary much. On a typical day we will move carrying heavy loads in clear sunny conditions, with temperatures between – 15°F/-26°C and – 5°F/-20°C. Your clothing will absorb much solar radiation however, and it can be surprisingly warm, even though the snow cannot melt and get you wet. When the wind blows it can be seriously cold, but in the dry climate of Antarctica you will feel comfortable and will not change clothing or adjust layers as often as you do on most mountains. When the sun moves behind the ridges of the Ellsworth Mountains there is an immediate absence of heat that is impressive, expect -30°F/-34°C to -40° F/-40°C. We will be in our tents, but you should plan to have a very warm sleeping bag and a steel thermos bottle.

Top quality mountaineering clothing and equipment is an investment that will see you through years of adventures. It is wise to choose carefully, and not to skimp on quality. The companies and products you see listed below can serve as starting points of reference for you. Take this list to your local outdoor specialty shop.

Feel free to use this list as a reference as you prepare for your trip, but note that not all brands and models are current.

Clothing:

Alternate to down jacket and pant is a down suit: (North Face, Mountain Hardwear)

The Expedition Weight Jacket and Pants are more versatile, the one piece suit offers more comfort and freedom of movement. Either option will work well in Antarctica. Temperature fluctuations are not great, so wearing down at virtually all times is possible.

Hand warmers and toe warmers: 12 sets of each; toe warmers are formulated to work in low oxygen conditions (such as inside the boot); burns out faster though.

Accessories

Sunglasses: One pair High quality 100% UV 100%IR, for travel and lower elevations

Glacier glasses: One pair High quality 100% UV 100%IR min 80% light reduction, side shields are optional, but size and shape of lens should offer maximum protection from bright light on snow

Ski goggles: (Julbo, Bolle, Smith)

Nose guard for glacier glasses

Climbing Equipment

Ski poles: One pair of adjustable or “telescopic” two or three section. (Leiki, Black Diomond)

Ice axe: General mountaineering axe. 70 cm length is good for most people. Shaft should be straight, not curved. Lightweight is good (Grivel or Black Diamond). You will need a leash to attach the axe to your harness as well as a “wrist loop”. Bring a commercial leash designed for glacier travel or 6 ft of 9 / 16 inch webbing and your guide will help you construct one.

Crampons: 12 point step-in suitable for glacial travel. There are many crampons that have very aggressive points and are intended for waterfall ice-climbing; these are not the type of crampons you should be looking for. Secondly there should be a metal toe and heal bail on the crampon and if there is a strap it should be very long to go around a large expedition double boot. (Grivel or Black Diamond “Sabor Tooth” are best)

Harness: Alpine style, you should not have to step through leg loops to put it on and off and it should be lightweight, fully adjustable. (Black Diamond Alpine Bod is a good standard), 2 regular pear-shaped locking carabiners and 5 standard ovals.

Camping Gear

Backpack: At least 6000 cubic inches (80L), internal frame. Top opening mountaineer’s rucksack style is best. Avoid large zipper openings and excessive outside pockets. Larger packs are better than smaller, because they are easier to pack with cold hands and they distribute loads more effectively. (Gregory, Wildthings, Dana, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear)

Small day pack: Optional, should be small and simple, can double as stuff sack or organizer, useful for airline carry on and for while touring in cities. (Lowe Alpine, Outdoor Research, The North Face)

Travel bags: Most soft sided “carry on” type bags work well (Camp Trails “Packable”, Wild Things “Carry On”). You might also use extra large stuff sacks. You will be storing things in Punta Arenas at your hotel, and perhaps at Union Glacier Base in Antarctica.

Travel clothes: Casual, two or three changes. Weather in Punta Arenas is pleasant but can be windy. Light wind jackets and long sleeves are nice.

Passport belt/pouch

Book(s)

Journal

Camera / video camera with extra batteries: From the
penguin colonies outside Punta, to the flight to the interior of Antarctica,
to the wilds of the Ellsworth Mountains - this is a photogenic trip! Any
camera will work, but a manual backup for the climb is a good idea. Also
bring plenty of good non-rechargeable batteries (i.e. lithium). Cold temperatures
will affect battery life. For those bringing digital cameras make sure
to bring extra memory cards and lots of batteries.

Film: Bring plenty. Be sure to keep in your carry on
luggage, in clear zip-lock bags so that it can be inspected at airports.